Efficient utilization of potash alum as a green catalyst for production of furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid from mono-sugars

In present work, we have explored potash alum (PA) as an efficient and green catalyst for production of high value platform chemicals such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) furfural from bio-renewable feedstocks in a biphasic reaction medium. Maximum 64% and 49% HMF yields were obtained from the dehydration reactions of fructose and glucose, respectively, at 140 degrees C over a 6 h reaction time. Similarly, 55% furfural yield was obtained from xylose at 190 degrees C in 6 h period. Products obtained have been analyzed by H-1-NMR spectra and a detailed mechanistic understanding of the dehydration reactions has been developed. This is first report highlighting a strategy for the utilization of cost effective and nonhazardous potash alum as catalyst for the conversion of glucose, fructose, and xylose to respective furans.